2016 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Civil Rights

Bill Walker: Modernize voter registration & vote online

We increased access to the polls for Alaskans with limited English proficiency. We also now have a language assistance coordinator to ensure all Alaskans can exercise the right to vote. In addition, we are modernizing our voter registration system. As of November 24, Alaskans can register to vote online. Nearly 1,000 Alaskans have already done so. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Alaska legislature Jan 21, 2016

Jay Nixon: Combat employment & housing discrimination against LGBTs

In July, I signed an executive order to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision establishing a right to same-sex marriage. No one should be discriminated against because of who they love. We've come a long way on this issue, but there is more to be done. It is unacceptable that Missourians can still be fired for being gay. That's wrong, it's not who we are--and it must change. I repeat my call for the General Assembly to pass the Missouri Non-discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

Andrew Cuomo: Implement a default voter registration system

The key to reforming our government is engaging people in the democratic process. We already know government is of the people, by the people, for the people. So why do we make it so difficult for the people to participate? Voter registration should be a presumption, not a hurdle. Let's flip the paradigm and automatically enroll voters when they get a driver's license. They can always opt out. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

Mike Pence: Civil rights must be balanced with religious freedom

Should full civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity be extended? No one should be harassed or mistreated because of who they are, who they love, or what they believe. But Hoosiers also cherish faith and the freedom to live out their faith and I will not support any bill that diminishes the religious freedom of Hoosiers or that interferes with the Constitutional rights of our citizens to live out their beliefs in worship, service or work. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Indiana legislature Jan 12, 2016

The above quotations are from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Chris Christie on Civil Rights. Click here for more quotes by Terry McAuliffe on Civil Rights.
*Candidates and political leaders on Civil Rights:*
*Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:* GA:Chambliss(R) IA:Harkin(D) MI:Levin(D) MT:Baucus(D) NE:Johanns(R) OK:Coburn(R) SD:Johnson(D) WV:Rockefeller(D) *Resigned from 113th House:* AL-1:Jo Bonner(R) FL-19:Trey Radel(R) LA-5:Rod Alexander(R) MA-5:Ed Markey(D) MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R) NC-12:Melvin Watt(D) SC-1:Tim Scott(R)	*Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:* AR-4:Tom Cotton(R) GA-1:Jack Kingston(R) GA-10:Paul Broun(R) GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R) HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D) IA-1:Bruce Braley(D) LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R) ME-2:Mike Michaud(D) MI-14:Gary Peters(D) MT-0:Steve Daines(R) OK-5:James Lankford(R) PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D) TX-36:Steve Stockman(R) WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)	*Retired House as of Jan. 2015:* AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R) AR-2:Tim Griffin(R) CA-11:George Miller(D) CA-25:Howard McKeon(R) CA-33:Henry Waxman(D) CA-45:John Campbell(R) IA-3:Tom Latham(R) MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R) NC-6:Howard Coble(R) NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D) NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R) NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D) NY-21:Bill Owens(D) PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R) UT-4:Jim Matheson(D) VA-8:Jim Moran(D) VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018